Not Monkeying Around: a review of Dawn of the Planet of the Apes

Really, it’s a very strong film. Matt Reeves really outdid himself and I forgive him for Cloverfield (because I really didn’t enjoy that movie — felt more gimmicky than it did as a real epic monster film by using the found footage format) and while there were many things I liked about Let Me In, I couldn’t really make full distinctions between his film and the Swedish version. They sort of just merge in together (unlike, say, David Fincher’s version of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, which had its own DNA and style than the original Swedish version).

But Dawn of the Planet of the Apes is just marvellous on its own and can even be seen and enjoyed without having to see the first film. It’s epic and it’s large and it is also personal and intimate. Loved it so much!

Andy Serkis (and the CG team of the film) as Caesar in Dawn of the Planet of the Apes

And Andy Serkis’ work as a motion capture and voice actor for Caesar is just another testimony for his unbelievable work as an actor. The CGI team did amazing work turning him and making him a believable ape. It’s fantastic and riveting.

I really, really enjoyed this film. Catch it in the theatres if you can.